Gov. Abbott to Provide COVID-19 Update on Thursday

Texas Governor Greg Abbott will hold a press conference on Thursday (September 17th) at noon at the Texas State Capitol to provide an update on how COVID-19 is impacting the State of Texas.

Gov. Abbott will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the Texas House Dennis Bonnen, and other officials.

It's not yet known what the governor will say, but he could lay out the next steps for the state's reopening. On August 31st, KSAT reported that the governor was close to making an announcement on additional reopening steps:

Responding to a Twitter user who asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for “clarity” on future lockdowns, Abbott said he hopes to give an update next week about the “next steps” in the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Bars remained closed in Texas unless they have reclassified themselves as restaurants, which not every bar is able to do. Rafting businesses, wineries and distilleries also remain largely closed. Even restaurants in Texas have been frozen at 50 percent dine-in capacity since July.

The governor has felt pressure from all sides during the coronavirus pandemic, with some saying he hasn't done enough and others saying he has done too much.

Face coverings and masks requirements are not expected to be lifted during the governor's remarks on Thursday.